Electric signaling system.



No. 819,190. PATENTED MAY 1, 1906. J. E. WEBB & C. E. EREDERIGKSON.

ELECTRIC SIGNALING SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED ABB.. 25, 1905.

No. 819,190. PATENTED MAY 1, 1906. J. I'. WEBB & C. E. FREDERICKSON.

ELECTRIC SIGNALING SYSTEM.

. APPLICATION FILED APR. 25, 1905.

PATENTED MAY l, 1906. EDERICKSON.

J. I'. WEBB & C. E. FR

ELECTRIC SIGNALINC SYSTEM APPLICATION FILED APB. 25. 1905.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

, NiuI A Arm/Mm' 4 SHEETS-SHEET l4.

. VInfalfalvTED MAY 1 J. P. WEBB a c. E. PREDBRIGKSON ELECTRIC SIGNALING SYSTEM APPLIUATIUH Hmm un. 25, 1905.

Afro/mfr.:

@lili JEAN F. WEBB CLAYTON E. FREDERTCKSON, OF DENVER, CQLORADG.

ELECTB SGINLENG SYSTEM.

no. elenco.

Specification of Letters Patent.

iratentee' May i, $06.

Applioationiilcd April 25,1905. Serial No. 257,355.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that We, JEAN F. WEBB and CLAYTON E. FREDERIGKSON, residing at Denver, in the county of Denver and State of Colorado, have invented a new and Improved Electric Signaling System, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in that class oi electric signaling mechanisms in which the Several parts are especially designed for conveniently and accurately making selective calls, Whereby a signal or signals may be transmitted Jrom a central station to any particular one of a number of stations in the same electric circuit Without interfering with the other stations. l

Uur invention also includes means Whereby the central station may place -all oi' the other stations in circuit with itselfto permit signaling between the central station and all of the other stations at the same time, as Well as to permit signaling between any tWo or more of thestations themselves.

Our inventionv in its genericnature comprehends'an improved construction and co operative arrangement of selectin@ mecham' isms, indicating mechanisms,- including rotary spacingedisls., indicator-disks, circuitclosing and signaling devices, and means electrically controlled for actuating the several parts of the system in such a manner that calls or signals can be c onveniently and quickly effected.

In its more detail nature our invention seeks to provide a mechanism for the purposes stated oi'- a simple, inexpensive, and durable construction, Which in its suboroinate .features consists in certain details ot construction iand peculiar combination, arrangement, and design of parts, including the electric circuit, all oi' which Will loe hereinafter 'first fully explained and then specifically pointed'out in the appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying draw ings, in Which- Figure lis a diagrammatic view of our complete system, showing several stations con.` nected in circuit and the several parts of the system being in their normal position. Fig.l

.2 isla similar view showing the position of the'v parte When station No. 17 is in circuit vith the central station. Fig. 3 is a similar' view showingv the parts in the position theyl assume when current is flowing through the disheleasing magnets andlsignal device ci said station just prior to allowing the parts to be returned to their normal gosition. Fig. l is a diagrammatic View ci the complete sys-- tcm in the position when all the signal-stations are in circuit With the main or central station. Fig. 5 is .a diagrammatic view of the parts in their normal position. when used in connection with a telegraph system for sending telegraphic messages between tWo or more stations. Fig.' 6 is an enlarged view of the central-Gilles indicator` mechanism. Fig. T1' is a top plan view of the indicator shown in Fig. 6. Fig. S is a section on the line 8 8 of Fig. 7. Fig. Q is a detail iace view oi the indicator-dial. Fig. 10 is adetail face view of one of the circuit-closing spacing-disks. Fig. 1l. is a detail view of the catch hereinafter referred to. Referring now to the accompanying'drawings, in which like numerals and letters oi reierence indicate like parts in all the figures, A designates the main or central station,

Which when our invention is used as train signaling system may be the despatcliers oil lice.

`B and C suhstations along the line, of which but two are shown in the drawings, aln though it should he understood that any de sircd number ci suhstations may he connected on the line, the number of snoei-ations, however, being only limited by the number ci teeth on the rotatable circoliy losing signaling-disks used in connection with our system. Each substation is provided With a stepebyestep circuit closing mechanism D, the circuit/closing mechanism ci each station being of the saine construction, with the exception of that D in the central office. The central-chico step-hy-step mechanism servos only as an indicator and lnot local-circuit closer ordinarily, though it may be when'tlie apparatus is used on telegraph-lines.

For convenience of description We shall 'first describe the apparatus having the stepby-step circuit-closing mechanisms for the various stations along the line, an d as each oi said circuit-closing mechanisms is ci the same construction, asheiore stated, a detailed descri )tion oi one ci su' ce.

Each circuiteciosing mechanism and the central- `oilice indicating mechanism com.- prisea supporting-drame which consists oi the back platei and the iront plate 4G, which them, it is thought', will 'iront plate, Whenever it is found desirable, is

constructed or" transiarent material, such as IIC) glass, &c., to give a clear view of the internal operating parts. Thebackplate 41 and the front plate 40 are spaced apart by the bindin g-rods 42 42, shown.

Arranged between plates 40 and 41 on a spindle 26, rotatable in bearings 26a 26, is a pair of disks 23 25, constructed of fiber or other insulating material, and the said disks 23 25 have their peripheral surfaces provided each with an equal number of ratchet-teeth 24 24, respectively. The teeth 24 on the disk 23 are arranged in one directioin while the teeth 24a of the other disk 25 vare arlranged in Va direction opposite to that of the' teeth 24 on thejdisk .23 fora purnose presently to appear.

Each disk of the various substations is provided with a metalliccontact-tooth ineinber 46, serving the zero contact-tooth, and a second or individual contact-tooth member 45, spaced from the contact 46 at an angular dist ance which varies and is different for each substation disk. (See ifi i.) ln otherwords, station No. 17 Wil have its contact 45 spaced from contact 46 a distance equal to seventeen (17) teeth, while station No. 19 will have its contacts 45 and 46 spaced nineteen (19) teeth apart for a purpose presently fully understood.

Each shaft 26 is provided with a radial stoppin 27, which when the parts are in their normal position engages a fixed stop 28 on the plate 41 to limit the movement of the disks. Secured to the shaft 26 by a cord or chain 30 is amaunterweight 29, which serves to bring the disks 23 25 to their normal position at predetermined times, with the radial stop-pin 27 in engagement with the iixed stop 28, as shown diagrammaticallv in Fig. 1. In practicewe preferably number each tooth upon the disks 23, as shown in the drawings, each tooth corresponding to one station along the line.

Pivotally mounted in bearings 32L 3 2LL in the plates and'41 on a spindle 33 is a metallic pawl 31, having a'bifurcated extension 31, between the extreme ends of which a roller 3*; of insulating material', is rotatably secured. "The pawl 31 is adapted to er gage with the teeth 24 of tle disk 23 when it is released, as will be hereinafter explained.

Pivotally mounted in bearings 10a, 10a on a shaft or pintle 'i3 is an' L-shaped lever17, (hereinafter called the disk-actuating lever,"`) which includes the arm 16b and second arm 16 at right angles to the arm 16h.

The arm 16 has an escapement fin ger or tooth 16 at its free end, which when the lever 17 is rocked engages with the teeth 24a of the disk 25 to hold the disks 23 25 from moving more than one notch or step at each operation of the lever 17, and thereby serving as an escapement.

15 designates an armature carried by the arm 16 of the lever 17 to cooperate with the lever-actuating magnets 14, which magnets 14 are mounted between the plates 4() and 41, as shown.

1Q designates an adjustable stop for limiting the movement of the lever 17.

To the free end of the arm 16b of the lever 17 a pawl or pitman 2 0 is fulcrumed, as at 17, the lree end of said pitman 2() being provided with a dog or tooth 21 to engaee the teeth 24 of the disk 23 to rotate the disks 23 25 on their axis in the direction of the arrows in Fig-1 when the lever 17 is actuated. rhe pitman 2O passes between, but does not touch the bifurcated portion 31'*L of the pawl 31, Aand when lifted is enga-ged by the roller 32. Upon its upper side the pitman 2O is provided with an angle-heel 22 to cooperate with the'lifting catch member 39 on the end oi a lever 37, which is pivotally mounted on a pintle 38 lin bearin gs 382t between the plates 40 and 41 and above the lever 17. The lever 37 includes'a downwardlyrejecting angle portion 37a, to the lower ent of which an armature 35 is attached.

Mounted between the plates 4t) and 41 to operate with. the armature 35 is a magnet 34, which operates the lever 37 and which we shall hereinafter term the releasing-magnet to distinguish it from the magnet 14, which we shall hereinafter: term the actuating-magnet. An adjustable stop 35 is provided to coperate with the lever 37, by means of "which stop the lever 37 is adjusted.

rthe catch 39 comprises a plate 39, held at right angles to the main arm of the lever 37, to which plate 39u the catch member 39D is pivoted, as at 39C. A spring 39d may be provided, if found desirable, to hold the catch 39 against the plate39.

Referring,r now to the indicator 1r. echanisin of the despatchers office, the same is`constructed substantially like the circuit-closing mechanism of the substations, with the exception. that the contact members and 46 are omitted from the disk 23 in the centralstation indicator and the shaft 26 of said indicator projects through the plate 41 and carries an indicating-dial 44, which is shown in detail in Fig. 9. Also disk 23 may be constructed of brass or other conducting` material if it is desired to pass the current through instead of around the indicator mechanism. The plate 41 in the indicating apparatus is also lengthened and provided with a slot 43, whereby to expose a portion of the dial 44 for a purpose presently understood.

By referring now to Fig. 9 of the drawings the construction ofthe indicator-dial Will be clearly understood.. The dial 44 has its face divided into a plurality of equal radial spaces 44, corresponding in num-ber to the number of teeth on the disks ,-23, and these spaces are provided, with 'numbers correspending to those of the disk 23 and also with the names of the stations bearing such numl IOC bers. The disk 44 is so mounted lon the shaft 26 with respect to the disk 23 that whenever zero tooth of disk 23 is in a position to be engaged by the pawl 31 the space -on the dial 44 containing the zero number will be 'in alineinent with the slot 43, as clearly shown in Fig. 1. v In our present invention there are essentially three distinct electric circuits, although Y may be composed of two single switches connected to act as a double switch. AThecontacts 9b 10" of the switch S are connected together and grounded through a wire 4.

1'1 designates a portion of the main-circuit wire which connects through a push-button or other normally open circuit-closer 13 to one terminal of the actuating-magnets 14 of the indicator mechanism. The other terminal of the magnet 14 is connected with the line-wire L through the wire 11a, as shown. Each of the circuit-closing mechanisms at the substations has its actuating-magnet 14connected in series to line-Wire L by wires 1lb and 11C, except that the iinal substation has its actuating-magnet 14 grounded by the wire 1 1d. The main circuit comprises, therefore, the source of electrical energy 1, the wires 2a and 6a, the switch-points 2 and 6, the switch knives or plates 3 and 5, the wire 11,

l the push-button 13, the actuating-magnets 14 of the indicator mechanism, the wire 11% vline-wire L, the wires 11b and 11, the actuating-magnets 14 of the circuit-closer mechanism at the substations, ground-wires 4, and earth return. The releasing-magnets 34 are each connected ytc the line-wire L by the wires 12a and 12b, and the releasing-magnets 34 of the final substations are grounded through wires 12e, while the releasing-inagnets 34 of the indicator mechanism in the signal-stations are connected withI the switchcontact 10EL through'a wire 12. The supplemental circuit therefore comprises the source ot electric energy 1, switch-contacts 2 and 6, switch-plates 3 and 5, ground-wires 4 and 11d, switch-points 10b and'lOa, wire 12, re-

leasing-magnets 34, Wires 12a and 12b, line-x wire L', and ground return. The switch S is common to both the main and the supplemental circuits, as is also the main source of electric energy 1 and the ground-return.

When our system is to be used as a signal system for operating semaphores or bellsignais alone. then the sign aling-circuit includes wire 12, magnets 34 of the indicator mechanism, line-Wire L', shunt-wire 1 2C, pawl 31, contacts 45 or 46 of disk 23, and the grounded wire 12d, to which the signal 47 is connected. In thisvcasethe signaling-circuit and the supthe source of-electrical energy 1, switch S,

plemental circuit are practically the saine,

the signaling devices (semaphore or bell) and the pawls 31, together with' the contacts 45.

4and/46, being'coniiected in shunt with the re'- Aleasing-niagnet'34 of their respective substations. However, when our invention is usedin connection with a telegraph system the 'I signaling-circuit and the supplementalcircuit have only a portion in common, and' in this case we connect the telegraph receivingl instrument 50 and the transmitting-keys50l y to the line-wire L when The receiving and transmitting instruments 5() and 50a, respectively, of the substations are connected in the place of ,the signals 47 when the systemic used lfor telegraphing alone, or when 'used both as a semaphore or bell system and a telegraph system the instruments 50 and 50at are connected in shuntwith the signal 47, it being understood that IOO the magnets 34 and signals 47 are operable under strong current from the main source of electrical energy, while the telegraph-receiver 50 operates when under the weaker current from the su-p lemental source of electrical energy 48.. T e signals 47 and the telegraph instruments 50 and 5G may be of any approved type, as the same per se form no part of our present invention.

Operation Assume the parts to be in po-- sitionvshovvn` in Fig. 1, which is the normal position of the parts when used without the telegraphinstruments, Ano current flowing in any of thecircuits and the paxvls 31, pitmen 20, and lever 16 disconnected from their respective disks 23 and 25 and the disks 23 and 25 in their `normal or zero position, the main, supplemental, and signaling circuits lbeing broken at switch S, the main circuit being broken at push-button 13 and the signal- .ing-circuit broken at disks 23. The operator throws switch S into engagement with contacts 91 9b to close the main circuit at switch S. He then closes circuit at push-button 13 as many times as the number of the station to be called-say 17. As he pushes the button theseventeenth (17th) time and just prior to releasing said button 13 the parts will be in the 'position shown in Fig. 2, current flowing in the main circuit, as indicated by the arrowlos heads. As the operator releases push i3 current ceases tonow' and f he'levers 17 and pitm en 2() return to the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2, no current new flowingv rl`he signaling-circuit' is now closed at pawl 31 and contact 45 at the desired station-say station No. 17. Operator now reverses switch q to engage the contacts 10u 10b to close the supplemental circuit at switch S, which causes currentirom the main source of electri -alenergy to ilowthrough the supplemental circuit and signaling-circuit to energize the releasing-magnets 34- and o pcrate the signal i7 the connected station, (in this case station No. 17,) it being understood that the signals 47 at the remaining substations will not operate at this time, as the signaling-circuits at all stations, excepting the one connected up, (No. 17,) are broken at the contact-carrying disks 23. The parts are now in a position shown in Fig. 3, the catches 39 of all stations having engaged their respective heels 22. As soon as the operator breaks the circuit at switch S the armatures 8.5 and 15v will cause their respective levers to return to the position shown in Fig. 1. The levers 37' liit pitmen 2O clear of disks 23. )The levers 20 in turn lift pa'wls 31 clear of disks 23 to allow weights 29 to return disks to the normal position, as shown in Fig. 1. l/Vhen our invention is being used in connection with telegraphs, then the normal position ol the parts is that shown in Fig. 5, by reference to which it will be seen that the pawls 31 el" all stations are in contact with the Zero contacts of all the disks 23 to place the telegraph instruments 5t) and 50UL of all the substations in circuit with each other and with the d es patehers o'llice, switch S being open. New should the despatcher desire te telegraph all stations sii'nultaneously he merely operates his telegraph-key in the usual maln'ier, when the message will be transmitted to all stations. Should the despatcher desire to communicate with one particular station only, he closes switch S tocontacts 9 9b and operates pushbutton 13 'until the desired station is in connection with central station. switch S again and proceeds to telegraph as before. Alterhe has completed his comnnmieatinm with such station the operator throws switch S to the 'position shown in Fig. 3 to return the parts to the 'position shown in Fig. l. This cuts out all stations. 'lhe operator may then place all stations in communication with central olliee and each other by throwing switeh S in the position shown in Fig. 2 and pushing the button 13 once, which releases pitmen 2() and pawls CS1. to engage disks 2?). The operator then again opens switch S, and the parts will now be in the position shown in Fig` which is the normal position when our invention is used as a co'moined semaphore signaling and telegraphic signaling system. ln practice the source olE He then opens electrical energy 4S may be made to send currents in the directions reverse to that sont by the main source of electrical energy 1, and polarized telegraphic receiving instruments may be used to prevent them from being operated upon by the current of themain source of electrical energy when switch S is closed to operate releasing-magnets 34.

Vhile we have shown' the actuating-magnets 11i ot each station connected in series with one another and while we have shown the releasing-magnets 34 of each station likewise connected, yet we desire it understood that we do not limit ourselves to such inanner of connecting the magnets, as the several sets of magnets may be connected in any other manner well known in the electrical art and as conditions may require.

By using our system 1n connection with the telegraphic communication it will be seen that when all stations are to be signaled or to be communicated with or they Wish to communicate with each other' the signals or messages are sent throu h metallic contacts numbered O, and the disks 23 are not moved. This point is of particular advantage where a number, large or small, of parties (say of brokers) are on the same telegraphic line, as it will enable the central ollice to send or receive quotations or other messages lfrom all generally or by moving the disks 23 to send or receive messages to some particular one for the time being, so that in reality each party will have a direct undivided line for his individual use whenever he desires it.

From the foregoing description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, it is thoughtthe comple te operation, construction, and man advantages ot our invention will be readily understood by those skilled in the art to which it appertains, and we desire it understood that slight changes in the detailed construction, operation, and arrangement of parts may be made without dcparting from the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described our invention., what we claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. A step-by-step mechanism lor signaling systems comprising a supporting-tra i ne, a pair 'ot' ratchet-disks mounted for simultaneous rotation in said l'ramc, the teeth ol one of said disks being disposed in a direction opposite to the teeth ol the other disk, actuating means lor said disks comprising a pivot-lever `having a linger at one end lor engaging the teeth ot one ol' said disks, a pitman connected to the other end ot said lever and having a dog, tor engaging the teeth ot the other disk, a pawl pivot/ally mounted on said trame and engaging the teeth ol` said other disk, and engaging said pitman7 electronlagnets lior operating said actuating means, releasing mechanism for disconnecting said pitman and TOO pawl from connection with the rotatable disk, electromagnets for actuating saidv releasing mechanism, and means for returning said disks to theirnormal positions when released, substantially as shown and described.

2. A step-by-step mechanism for signaling systems comprising a supporting-frame, a pair of ratchet-disks mounted for simultan'eous rotation in said frame, the teeth of one of said disks being disposed in a'direction opposite to the teeth of the other disk, actuating means for said disks comprising a pivotlever having a finger at one end for engaging the teeth oi:y one of said disks, a pitman connected to th(` other end of said lever and having a dog for engaging the teeth of the other disk, a pawl pivotally mounted on said frame and engaging the teeth of said other disk, and engaging said pitman, electromagnets for operating said actuating means, releasing mechanism for disconnecting said pitman, and pawl from connection with the ratchet-disks, electromagnets. for actuating said releasing mechanism, means for returning said disks to their normal positions when released, and a plurality of contacts on said other disk for contactinor with the pawl at times substantially as sliown and described.

3. A device of the class described comprising a supporting-haine, a shaft rotatable therein, a pair of rotatable disks mounted on said shaft to turn therewith, said disks having peripheral ratchet-teeth, an L-shaped lever fulcrumed on said frame and having a iinger ior engaging with one of said ratchetdisks at times, an opcratingitman connected with said L-shaped lever o r engaging the other ratchet-diskA at times, a pawl engaged by said pitman for engaging said o t 1er ratchet-disk, means for cmerating said L- shaped lever to operate the pitman to rotate the disks in one direction, a pivot all)4 -mounted catch member for engaging said pitman at times to disengage it from the rotatable disks, magnetically-operating'means for said actuating member and means for returning saidv ratchet-disks to their normal positions when released, substantially as shown and described.

4, An indicator for selective signaling systems comprising a supporting-frame, a shaft rotatable thereln, a pair of rotatable disks mounted on said shaft to turn therewith, said rotatable disks having peripheral teeth, an indicating-dial mounted on the shaft to rotate therewith, an L-shaped lever fulcrumed on said frame and having a dog for engaging with one of said ratchet-disks at times, anoperatin -pitman connected with said L-shaped lever or en aging the other ratchet-disk at times, a paw for engaging said other ratchetdisk, said pawl being engaged by said pitman, means for operating said L-shaped lever to operate the pitman to rotate the disks in ,one direction, a pivotally-mounted catch member for engaging said pitman at times to disengage the pit'man from the rotatable disks, magnetically-operating means for said actuating member, and means for returning said ratchet-disks to their normal positions when released substantially as shown and described.

JEAN F. WEBB. CLAYTON E. FREDERICKSON.

Witnesses;

JEAN F. WEBB, Jr., D. EDGAR VVILsoN. 

